492  American  Pharmaceutical  Association.  jAn^o°ue^  ^g™1. 
This  ash,  when  boiled  with  a  solution  of  potassa  and  filtered,  to 
remove  the  bismuth,  gives  up  its  nitrate  which,  when  acidified  and 
introduced  into  a  Marsh-Berzelius  or  any  form  of  apparatus  based 
on  the  generation  of  arsine  gas,  causes  the  decomposition  of  the 
latter.  Simple  ignition  of  bismuth  salts  does  not  cause  any  loss  in 
arsenic  content.  Quantitative  estimations  of  the  arsenic  content 
of  twenty-five  samples  of  commercial  bismuth  salts  were  made, 
among  which  there  were  six  free  and  two  with  barest  traces  of 
arsenic,  while  the  remaining  contained  from  0.05  to  0.2  parts  of 
arsenous  oxide  per  100,000. 
The  Acetic  Acid  Fluid  Extracts  of  the  U.  S.  P.,  VIII. 
By  Joseph  Feil. 
These  preparations  keep  well,  but  lose  acidity  on  standing,  the 
loss  varying  for  each  fluid  extract.  Their  odor  improves.  It  is 
thought  that  a  large  number  of  this  class  of  galenicals  would  find 
extensive  use  in  veterinary  practice.  It  is  suggested  that  a  veteri- 
nary surgeon  would  be  a  valuable  addition  to  the  Revision  Committee 
of  the  next  Pharmacopoeia,  as  druggists  are  finding  an  increased 
demand  for  medicines  intended  for  domestic  animals.  It  is  further 
suggested  that  a  similar  line  of  argument  could  be  applied  to  the 
dental  profession  and  a  D.D.S.  be  made  a  member. 
Interference  of  Sodium  Bicarbonate  in  the  Testing 
of  Pancreatin. 
By  C.  E.  Vanderkleed  and  L.  H.  Bernegau. 
Although  pancreatin  is  supposedly  most  active  in  alkaline  solution, 
the  presence  of  sodium  bicarbonate  seriously  interferes  with  its 
amylolytic  action,  as  shown  in  the  assay  of  Compound  Pancreatic 
Powder,  N.  P.,  and  other  mixtures  of  pancreatin  and  sodium  bicar- 
bonate, unless  the  latter  be  first  neutralized  with  acid. 
Section  on  Pharmaceutical  Education  and  Legislation. 
This  section  held  three  sessions  on  Wednesday  with  J.  W. 
England,  Chairman  and  Charles  H.  La  Wall,  Secretary,  both 
present.  The  address  of  the  Chairman  was  devoted  to  the  work  of 
the  section  and  among  other  things  stated,  "  that,  at  the  present  time, 
there  is  no  real  need  for  90  schools  of  pharmacy  in  this  country. 
